Library plan under review
By Karen Mann

Forbush Memorial Library Trustees are seeking public comment on a proposed long-term plan for the library as they continue to try to involve the public in the process.

The plan, which was drafted by former library director Charlene Churchill, is a result of input from the trustees, library staff, and residents.

"The five-year-plan is about improving what the library has based on what the people want," said Trustee Leola Leger.

Beth D'Onfro, who is vice chair of the library's board of trustees, said the Forbush Memorial Library Long-Range Plan rough draft was a "good plan from the get-go."

D'Onfro said a permanent plan will be put together at the trustees' meeting next week. The draft of the plan is currently available for public review and comment.

The library must submit a fiveyear plan to the Massachusetts Board of Library Commissioners to receive grant money. The plan must be submitted in October.

"The most important thing is that the library is providing the best possible service to its patrons and to the citizens of Westminster," Leger said.

She hopes that residents will look at the draft, and provide feedback on it.

Many of the goals in the plan include increasing staff, programming and hours of usage.

For D'Onfro, one of the most important things is getting the building exterior repairs done. There is unused space in the attic, which she would like to see used as a young adult room or as a business room. After construction is complete, she would like the library to switch to wireless Internet service.

Another thing D'Onfro said she would push for at their meeting is bringing back extended hours on Thursday night. She said this is the suggestion she hears often from the public.

"Adding a couple of hours wouldn't be that difficult," said D'Onfro, who would like to see the library stay open until 8 p.m. on Thursday.

Another goal in the plan is better publicizing what the library has to offer.

In 2004, a survey was sent to households in Westminster about the library and its services and according to the draft of the plan almost 50 percent of those surveyed responded.

According to D'Onfro, the survey was very important in putting together the plan. Leger agreed.

D'Onfro said the survey results showed only 50 percent of respondents have accessed the library through its Web site.

Leger believes all of the goals in the plan are equally important and can all be accomplished. She said the most important thing now though is hiring a permanent director.

Acting library director Margaret Howe-Soper agrees, saying it is the first thing library trustees need to do.

However, while she is there, she said she would work on whatever aspects of the five-year-plan that she can.

"It's something I should focus on, too," said Howe- Soper. "If we have to start budgeting for actions in 2008, it may fall into my purview."

Howe-Soper said she has not discussed the budget cycle of the library yet.

She said she has dealt with implementing long-range plans in the past and this one is similar to previous ones she has worked on. She believes having these plans is a good thing.

"It is a good way for the trustees to chart what direction they would like the library to take and it is important for the staff to have goals," she said.

Because a new director will be taking over, she said it would also help he/she in understanding what is wanted and needed at the library.

Howe-Soper and D'Onfro said the one thing that has not changed during the leadership changes is the service being offered to patrons.

"The staff has been wonderful, and the trustees have been extremely supportive," said Soper-Howe, adding it takes a good staff to maintain good service during turnovers in leadership.

D'Onfro said she has heard similar positive comments from the public.

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Karen Mann is a 2006 graduate of Emerson College, in Boston, where she studied journalism. She resides in Townsend.